Shotlist

Widgets give way to weenies as the "Western High School Radio Forum" discusses the meaning of capitalism in terms designed to make sense to teenagers.
Capitalism is one of many "free-enterprise education" films released in the first few years of the Cold War. Unlike many films produced under corporate sponsorship, it avoids taking jabs at socialism, Russia or New Deal government programs. Nonetheless, it uses the common Coronet device of showing a group collectively engaged in coming to terms with an idea -- a process with predetermined conclusions. In this respect, I imagine that it's not so different from Soviet educational films.



Discussion of capitalism and what it means to people in all walks of life. Setting is a high-school radio forum, with a spirited informal discussion of the problem by members of the panel just before going on the air.


"In this film we point the way toward a clearer understanding of capitalism by presenting some of its important aspects. We do not attempt to cover the entire subject nor to define capitalism. It is for you to develop conclusions as to what capitalism means by considering the material presented here, by further study in other sources, and by discussing your own [obscured] opinions"
A group of teenagers on a radio program have a discussion about what capitalism is.




Ken Smith sez: "Weenie" references fly fast and furious in this film, as the kids in the "Western High School Radio Forum" use weenies (rather than widgets) to explain capitalism. "We needed weenies. Mr. Brown had weenies. It's as simple as that," says one teen. "Just think of all the others who made a profit on those weenies." This film uses the same, elaborate (for Coronet) radio station set that was trotted out in How To Read A Book and How Friendly Are You? Town Treasurer, "Mr. Howell," is the weird dad from Shy Guy. For more weenie references, see Are You Popular?, Feeling Left Out? and What To Do On A Date.
07:32:18
Large square clock at 3:23
07:32:34
High school boy enters radio broadcast studio, takes off coat, and sits down at table with other teenagers.
07:32:49
Earnest teens argue about capitalism
07:33:27
Teens buy items from food store
07:33:40
CU case of hot dogs (weenies)
07:37:06
Radio studio clock at 3:30, "on the air" sign lights up. Station manager points to signal start of program.
07:37:56
People stop what they are doing and turn and speak to the camera: drug store clerk, auto-mechanic, housewife with bags of groceries, artist at easel.
07:38:40
Turning phonograph record
07:38:58
Man at desk in office speaks into microphone
07:39:12
Oil field, downtown intersection, machinery, train yard
07:39:26
Toaster factory, workers assemble and polish toasters (good shots).
THE END

Stock shots:
radio stations; old microphone; oil derricks; toaster factory; wheat fields; banking;
CAPITALISM ECONOMICS THEORIES MONEY RADIOS BUSINESSES TRADE LABOR
Dialogue:
"Can't we agree that capitalism is an economic system, a system for the production and distribution of things we need and want?"
"the basis of the capitalistic system is private property."
"People own property and use it to provide the goods and services that people need."
"Contract, competition, profit motive, private property and what do they all add up to: free enterprise."<BR>